March 7th, 2023Water Police Squad rescue trio from yacht in Bass Strait

Water Police Squad with the assistance of the police Air Wing have rescued three men in distress from a yacht in Bass Strait in recent days.

Police were called after the 10-metre yacht was caught in big swells, strong winds and taking on water, about .75 nautical miles off St Andrews surf beach about 10.15pm on Tuesday, February 21.

The skipper was unable to steer the yacht and it was blown out into Bass Strait.

Due to the conditions, the helicopter was not able to winch the trio during the night however it remained on scene in an aerial position to assist with monitoring the incident.

The disabled yacht, which was involved in a collision with a carrier ship just after 1.30am, was guided by a commercial bulk carrier ship which was tasked to assist in providing cover until water police units made it to the scene.

Luckily no one was injured and there was no reported damage to the vessels.

Water police attended the scene and pulled three men from the yacht just before 3am, Wednesday February 22.

The men, aged in their 70s and 60s, were all taken to the Queenscliff Marina where they were assessed by paramedics.